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Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 23006

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: plant pathogenic fungi; molecular interaction between plant and microbe; autophagy of pathogenic fungi
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Throughout their life cycles, plants are facing challenges from various pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Plant diseases have introduced serious economic losses to agricultural systems and production. Understanding how pathogens adopt adaptive mechanisms to infection on plant hosts and how plants develop diverse resistance/susceptibility mechanisms to beat back pathogens will provide basal scientific support for better prevention and control of plant diseases.

This Special Issue mainly involves:

  1. The pathogenic mechanism of pathogens;
  2. The molecular evolution, ecology, and interaction mechanism of plants to microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, and viruses), nematodes, and insects;
  3. Epigenetics in the interaction of plants and plant pathogens;
  4. The influence of pathogens on plant development and immune response at molecular and cellular levels;
  5. The environmental regulation of the interaction of plants and plant pathogens.

Prof. Dr. Fucheng Lin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • host
  • effection
  • pathogenicity
  • pathogen
  • plant immunity
  • interactions

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2566 KiB  
Article
The Ralstonia solanacearum Type III Effector RipAW Targets the Immune Receptor Complex to Suppress PAMP-Triggered Immunity
by Zhi-Mao Sun, Qi Zhang, Yu-Xin Feng, Shuang-Xi Zhang, Bi-Xin Bai, Xue Ouyang, Zhi-Liang Xiao, He Meng, Xiao-Ting Wang, Jun-Min He, Yu-Yan An and Mei-Xiang Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010183 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 843
Abstract
Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, one of the most destructive phytopathogens, leads to significant annual crop yield losses. Type III effectors (T3Es) mainly contribute to the virulence of R. solanacearum, usually by targeting immune-related proteins. Here, we clarified the effect [...] Read more.
Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, one of the most destructive phytopathogens, leads to significant annual crop yield losses. Type III effectors (T3Es) mainly contribute to the virulence of R. solanacearum, usually by targeting immune-related proteins. Here, we clarified the effect of a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) T3E, RipAW, from R. solanacearum on pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and further explored its action mechanism. In the susceptible host Arabidopsis thaliana, we monitored the expression of PTI marker genes, flg22-induced ROS burst, and callose deposition in RipAW- and RipAWC177A-transgenic plants. Our results demonstrated that RipAW suppressed host PTI in an NEL-dependent manner. By Split-Luciferase Complementation, Bimolecular Fluorescent Complimentary, and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that RipAW associated with three crucial components of the immune receptor complex, namely FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1. Furthermore, RipAW elevated the ubiquitination levels of FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1, accelerating their degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. Additionally, co-expression of FLS2, XLG2, or BIK1 with RipAW partially but significantly restored the RipAW-suppressed ROS burst, confirming the involvement of the immune receptor complex in RipAW-regulated PTI. Overall, our results indicate that RipAW impairs host PTI by disrupting the immune receptor complex. Our findings provide new insights into the virulence mechanism of R. solanacearum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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22 pages, 4918 KiB  
Article
Kiwifruit Resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae and Defence Induction by Acibenzolar-S-methyl and Methyl Jasmonate Are Cultivar Dependent
by Tony Reglinski, Kirstin V. Wurms, Joel L. Vanneste, Annette Ah Chee, Magan Schipper, Deirdre Cornish, Janet Yu, Jordan McAlinden and Duncan Hedderley
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115952 - 03 Nov 2023
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Pathogen susceptibility and defence gene inducibility were compared between the Actinidia arguta cultivar ‘Hortgem Tahi’ and the two cultivars of A. chinensis ‘Hayward’ and ‘Zesy002′. Plants were treated with acibenzolar-s-methyl (ASM) or methyl jasmonate (MeJA) one week before inoculation with Pseudomonas syringae pv. [...] Read more.
Pathogen susceptibility and defence gene inducibility were compared between the Actinidia arguta cultivar ‘Hortgem Tahi’ and the two cultivars of A. chinensis ‘Hayward’ and ‘Zesy002′. Plants were treated with acibenzolar-s-methyl (ASM) or methyl jasmonate (MeJA) one week before inoculation with Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa biovar3) or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, or secondary induction with chitosan+glucan (Ch-Glu) as a potential pathogen proxy. Defence expression was evaluated by measuring the expression of 18 putative defence genes. ‘Hortgem Tahi’ was highly susceptible to sclerotinia and very resistant to Psa, whereas ‘Zesy002′ was highly resistant to both, and ‘Hayward’ was moderately susceptible to both. Gene expression in ‘Hayward’ and ‘Zesy002′ was alike but differed significantly from ‘Hortgem Tahi’ which had higher basal levels of PR1-i, PR5-i, JIH1, NPR3 and WRKY70 but lower expression of RD22 and PR2-i. Treatment with ASM caused upregulation of NIMIN2, PR1-i, WRKY70, DMR6 and PR5-i in all cultivars and induced resistance to Psa in ‘Zesy002′ and ‘Hayward’ but decreased resistance to sclerotinia in ‘Zesy002′. MeJA application caused upregulation of LOX2 and downregulation of NIMIN2, DMR6 and PR2-i but did not affect disease susceptibility. The Ch-Glu inducer induced PR-gene families in each cultivar, highlighting its possible effectiveness as an alternative to actual pathogen inoculation. The significance of variations in fundamental and inducible gene expression among the cultivars is explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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15 pages, 3999 KiB  
Article
Deficiency of ChPks and ChThr1 Inhibited DHN-Melanin Biosynthesis, Disrupted Cell Wall Integrity and Attenuated Pathogenicity in Colletotrichum higginsianum
by Lingtao Duan, Li Wang, Weilun Chen, Zhenrui He, Erxun Zhou and Yiming Zhu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115890 - 02 Nov 2023
Viewed by 677
Abstract
Colletotrichum higginsianum is a major pathogen causing anthracnose in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis), posing a significant threat to the Chinese flowering cabbage industry. The conidia of C. higginsianum germinate and form melanized infection structures called appressoria, which enable penetration of [...] Read more.
Colletotrichum higginsianum is a major pathogen causing anthracnose in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis), posing a significant threat to the Chinese flowering cabbage industry. The conidia of C. higginsianum germinate and form melanized infection structures called appressoria, which enable penetration of the host plant’s epidermal cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying melanin biosynthesis in C. higginsianum remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified two enzymes related to DHN-melanin biosynthesis in C. higginsianum: ChPks and ChThr1. Our results demonstrate that the expression levels of genes ChPKS and ChTHR1 were significantly up-regulated during hyphal and appressorial melanization processes. Furthermore, knockout of the gene ChPKS resulted in a blocked DHN-melanin biosynthetic pathway in hyphae and appressoria, leading to increased sensitivity of the ChpksΔ mutant to cell-wall-interfering agents as well as decreased turgor pressure and pathogenicity. It should be noted that although the Chthr1Δ mutant still exhibited melanin accumulation in colonies and appressoria, its sensitivity to cell-wall-interfering agents and turgor pressure decreased compared to wild-type strains; however, complete loss of pathogenicity was not observed. In conclusion, our results indicate that DHN-melanin plays an essential role in both pathogenicity and cell wall integrity in C. higginsianum. Specifically, ChPks is crucial for DHN-melanin biosynthesis while deficiency of ChThr1 does not completely blocked melanin production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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19 pages, 5090 KiB  
Article
OsMKK6 Regulates Disease Resistance in Rice
by Ruirui Jiang, Shichen Zhou, Xiaowen Da, Peng Yan, Kai Wang, Jiming Xu and Xiaorong Mo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12678; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612678 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades play important roles in various biological programs in plants, including immune responses, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified the lesion mimic mutant rsr25 (rust spots rice 25) and determined that the mutant harbored a [...] Read more.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades play important roles in various biological programs in plants, including immune responses, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified the lesion mimic mutant rsr25 (rust spots rice 25) and determined that the mutant harbored a loss-of-function allele for OsMKK6 (MITOGEN-ACTIVATED KINASE KINASE 6). rsr25 developed reddish-brown spots on its leaves at the heading stage, as well as on husks. Compared to the wild type, the rsr25 mutant exhibited enhanced resistance to the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) and to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). OsMKK6 interacted with OsMPK4 (MITOGEN-ACTIVATED KINASE 4) in vivo, and OsMKK6 phosphorylated OsMPK4 in vitro. The Osmpk4 mutant is also a lesion mimic mutant, with reddish-brown spots on its leaves and husks. Pathogen-related genes were significantly upregulated in Osmpk4, and this mutant exhibited enhanced resistance to M. oryzae compared to the wild type. Our results indicate that OsMKK6 and OsMPK4 form a cascade that regulates immune responses in rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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14 pages, 2718 KiB  
Article
SsCak1 Regulates Growth and Pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
by Lei Qin, Jieying Nong, Kan Cui, Xianyu Tang, Xin Gong, Yunong Xia, Yan Xu, Yilan Qiu, Xin Li and Shitou Xia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612610 - 09 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1143
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes severe crop losses worldwide. It is of vital importance to understand its pathogenic mechanism for disease control. Through a forward genetic screen combined with next-generation sequencing, a putative protein kinase, SsCak1, was found [...] Read more.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes severe crop losses worldwide. It is of vital importance to understand its pathogenic mechanism for disease control. Through a forward genetic screen combined with next-generation sequencing, a putative protein kinase, SsCak1, was found to be involved in the growth and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. Knockout and complementation experiments confirmed that deletions in SsCak1 caused defects in mycelium and sclerotia development, as well as appressoria formation and host penetration, leading to complete loss of virulence. These findings suggest that SsCak1 is essential for the growth, development, and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. Therefore, SsCak1 could serve as a potential target for the control of S. sclerotiorum infection through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which could increase crop resistance to the pathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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16 pages, 3056 KiB  
Article
GDSL Esterase/Lipase GELP1 Involved in the Defense of Apple Leaves against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Infection
by Zhirui Ji, Meiyu Wang, Shuwu Zhang, Yinan Du, Jialin Cong, Haifeng Yan, Haimeng Guo, Bingliang Xu and Zongshan Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210343 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
GDSL esterases/lipases are a subclass of lipolytic enzymes that play critical roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and pathogen defense. However, the GDSL esterase/lipase genes involved in the pathogen response of apple remain to be identified and characterized. Thus, in this [...] Read more.
GDSL esterases/lipases are a subclass of lipolytic enzymes that play critical roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and pathogen defense. However, the GDSL esterase/lipase genes involved in the pathogen response of apple remain to be identified and characterized. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze the phenotypic difference between the resistant variety, Fuji, and susceptible variety, Gala, during infection with C. gloeosporioides, screen for anti-disease-associated proteins in Fuji leaves, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that GDSL esterase/lipase protein GELP1 contributed to C. gloeosporioides infection defense in apple. During C. gloeosporioides infection, GELP1 expression was significantly upregulated in Fuji. Fuji leaves exhibited a highly resistant phenotype compared with Gala leaves. The formation of infection hyphae of C. gloeosporioides was inhibited in Fuji. Moreover, recombinant His:GELP1 protein suppressed hyphal formation during infection in vitro. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that GELP1-eGFP localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts. GELP1 overexpression in GL-3 plants increased resistance to C. gloeosporioides. MdWRKY15 expression was upregulated in the transgenic lines. Notably, GELP1 transcript levels were elevated in GL-3 after salicylic acid treatment. These results suggest that GELP1 increases apple resistance to C. gloeosporioides by indirectly regulating salicylic acid biosynthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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14 pages, 18972 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Role of a Zinc Uptake Regulator (Zur) in the Virulence of Pectobacterium odoriferum
by Changlong Chen, Shuang Cui, Jiantao Guan, Yanyan Su, Xucong Liang, Yu Tian and Hua Xie
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129991 - 10 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 913
Abstract
Pectobacterium spp. infect many horticultural crops worldwide and lead to serious crop losses. Zinc-uptake-regulator (Zur) proteins are present widely in prokaryotes and play an important role in pathogenicity. To uncover the role of Zur in P. odoriferum, we constructed mutant ( [...] Read more.
Pectobacterium spp. infect many horticultural crops worldwide and lead to serious crop losses. Zinc-uptake-regulator (Zur) proteins are present widely in prokaryotes and play an important role in pathogenicity. To uncover the role of Zur in P. odoriferum, we constructed mutant (ΔZur) and overexpression [Po (Zur)] strains of a Zur, and a virulence assay showed that the Po (Zur) was of significantly lower virulence, while the ΔZur displayed significantly increased virulence on Chinese cabbage compared to their respective control strains, wild-type P. odoriferum (Po WT) and P. odoriferum harboring an empty vector (Po (EV)) (p < 0.05). The growth curves of the ΔZur and Po (Zur) showed no obvious differences from those of the control strains. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that Zur overexpression in P. odoriferum induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to flagellum and cell motility, while mutating Zur resulted in DEGs mainly corresponding to divalent-metal-ion transport and membrane transport. Phenotypic experiments on the Po (Zur) showed that flagellum numbers and cell motility were reduced in comparison with the control, while those of the ΔZur did not change. Collectively, these results show that the Zur negatively regulates the virulence of P. odoriferum and might function via a dual mechanism dependent on dose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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16 pages, 3076 KiB  
Article
MoCbp7, a Novel Calcineurin B Subunit-Binding Protein, Is Involved in the Calcium Signaling Pathway and Regulates Fungal Development, Virulence, and ER Homeostasis in Magnaporthe oryzae
by Zi-He Wang, Zi-Fang Shen, Jing-Yi Wang, Ying-Ying Cai, Lin Li, Jian Liao, Jian-Ping Lu, Xue-Ming Zhu, Fu-Cheng Lin and Xiao-Hong Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119297 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
Calcineurin, a key regulator of the calcium signaling pathway, is involved in calcium signal transduction and calcium ion homeostasis. Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating filamentous phytopathogenic fungus in rice, yet little is known about the function of the calcium signaling system. Here, we [...] Read more.
Calcineurin, a key regulator of the calcium signaling pathway, is involved in calcium signal transduction and calcium ion homeostasis. Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating filamentous phytopathogenic fungus in rice, yet little is known about the function of the calcium signaling system. Here, we identified a novel calcineurin regulatory-subunit-binding protein, MoCbp7, which is highly conserved in filamentous fungi and was found to localize in the cytoplasm. Phenotypic analysis of the MoCBP7 gene deletion mutant (ΔMocbp7) showed that MoCbp7 influenced the growth, conidiation, appressorium formation, invasive growth, and virulence of M. oryzae. Some calcium-signaling-related genes, such as YVC1, VCX1, and RCN1, are expressed in a calcineurin/MoCbp7-dependent manner. Furthermore, MoCbp7 synergizes with calcineurin to regulate endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Our research indicated that M. oryzae may have evolved a new calcium signaling regulatory network to adapt to its environment compared to the fungal model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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11 pages, 3014 KiB  
Article
The Regulation of the Growth and Pathogenicity of Valsa mali by the Carbon Metabolism Repressor CreA
by Jiyang Jin, Yufei Diao, Xiong Xiong, Chengming Yu, Yehan Tian, Chuanrong Li and Huixiang Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119252 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 994
Abstract
Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a very important mechanism for efficient use of carbon sources in the environment and is necessary for the regulation of fungal growth, development, and pathogenesis. Although there have been extensive studies conducted regarding this mechanism in fungi, little [...] Read more.
Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a very important mechanism for efficient use of carbon sources in the environment and is necessary for the regulation of fungal growth, development, and pathogenesis. Although there have been extensive studies conducted regarding this mechanism in fungi, little is yet known about the effects of CreA genes on Valsa mali. However, based on the results obtained in this study for the identification of the VmCreA gene in V. mali, it was determined that the gene was expressed at all stages of fungal growth, with self-repression observed at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, the functional analysis results of the gene deletion mutants (ΔVmCreA) and complements (CTΔVmCreA) showed that the VmCreA gene played an important role in the growth, development, pathogenicity, and carbon source utilization of V. mali. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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14 pages, 5135 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of an Antifungal Gene Mt1 from Bacillus subtilis by Affecting Amino Acid Metabolism in Fusarium graminearum
by Pei Song and Wubei Dong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108857 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Fusarium head blight is a devastating disease that causes significant economic losses worldwide. Fusarium graminearum is a crucial pathogen that requires close attention when controlling wheat diseases. Here, we aimed to identify genes and proteins that could confer resistance to F. graminearum. [...] Read more.
Fusarium head blight is a devastating disease that causes significant economic losses worldwide. Fusarium graminearum is a crucial pathogen that requires close attention when controlling wheat diseases. Here, we aimed to identify genes and proteins that could confer resistance to F. graminearum. By extensively screening recombinants, we identified an antifungal gene, Mt1 (240 bp), from Bacillus subtilis 330-2. We recombinantly expressed Mt1 in F. graminearum and observed a substantial reduction in the production of aerial mycelium, mycelial growth rate, biomass, and pathogenicity. However, recombinant mycelium and spore morphology remained unchanged. Transcriptome analysis of the recombinants revealed significant down-regulation of genes related to amino acid metabolism and degradation pathways. This finding indicated that Mt1 inhibited amino acid metabolism, leading to limited mycelial growth and, thus, reduced pathogenicity. Based on the results of recombinant phenotypes and transcriptome analysis, we hypothesize that the effect of Mt1 on F. graminearum could be related to the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), the most affected metabolic pathway with significant down-regulation of several genes. Our findings provide new insights into antifungal gene research and offer promising targets for developing novel strategies to control Fusarium head blight in wheat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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12 pages, 2950 KiB  
Article
Soybean GmSAUL1, a Bona Fide U-Box E3 Ligase, Negatively Regulates Immunity Likely through Repressing the Activation of GmMPK3
by Jun-Mei Li, Mei-Yan Ye, Chaofeng Wang, Xiao-Han Ma, Ni-Ni Wu, Chen-Li Zhong, Yanjun Zhang, Ninghui Cheng, Paul A. Nakata, Lirong Zeng and Jian-Zhong Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076240 - 25 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1503
Abstract
E3 ubiquitin ligases play important roles in plant immunity, but their role in soybean has not been investigated previously. Here, we used Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to investigate the function of GmSAUL1 (Senescence-Associated E3 Ubiquitin Ligase 1) [...] Read more.
E3 ubiquitin ligases play important roles in plant immunity, but their role in soybean has not been investigated previously. Here, we used Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to investigate the function of GmSAUL1 (Senescence-Associated E3 Ubiquitin Ligase 1) homologs in soybean. When two closely related SAUL1 homologs were silenced simultaneously, the soybean plants displayed autoimmune phenotypes, which were significantly alleviated by high temperature, suggesting that GmSAUL1a/1b might be guarded by an R protein. Interestingly, silencing GmSAUL1a/1b resulted in the decreased activation of GmMPK6, but increased activation of GmMPK3 in response to flg22, suggesting that the activation of GmMPK3 is most likely responsible for the activated immunity observed in the GmSAUL1a/1b-silenced plants. Furthermore, we provided evidence that GmSAUL1a is a bona fide E3 ligase. Collectively, our results indicated that GmSAUL1 plays a negative role in regulating cell death and immunity in soybean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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13 pages, 3512 KiB  
Article
A Novel miRNA in Rice Associated with the Low Seed Setting Rate Symptom of Rice Stripe Virus
by Quan Yuan, Yushan Zhai, Liya Zhou, Xuhong Ai, Jianping Chen and Fei Yan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043675 - 12 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
MicroRNAs play key regulatory roles in plant development. The changed pattern of miRNA expression is involved in the production of viral symptoms. Here, we showed that a small RNA, Seq119, a putative novel microRNA, is associated with the low seed setting rate, a [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs play key regulatory roles in plant development. The changed pattern of miRNA expression is involved in the production of viral symptoms. Here, we showed that a small RNA, Seq119, a putative novel microRNA, is associated with the low seed setting rate, a viral symptom of rice stripe virus (RSV)-infected rice. The expression of Seq 119 was downregulated in RSV-infected rice. The overexpression of Seq119 in transgenic rice plants did not cause any obvious phenotypic changes in plant development. When the expression of Seq119 was suppressed in rice plants either by expressing a mimic target or by CRISPR/Cas editing, seed setting rates were extremely low, similar to the effects of RSV infection. The putative targets of Seq119 were then predicted. The overexpression of the target of Seq119 in rice caused a low seed setting rate, similar to that in Seq119-suppressed or edited rice plants. Consistently, the expression of the target was upregulated in Seq119-suppressed and edited rice plants. These results suggest that downregulated Seq119 is associated with the low seed setting rate symptom of the RSV in rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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23 pages, 4877 KiB  
Article
Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis and Phytohormone Signaling Contribute to “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” Accumulation in Citrus Fruit Piths (Fluffy Albedo)
by Xiaoqing Cui, Xuanlin Zhan, Yangyang Liu, Zhenhui Huang, Xiaoling Deng, Zheng Zheng and Meirong Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232415648 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1691
Abstract
Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas) is a phloem-restricted α-proteobacterium that is associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB), which is the most destructive disease that affects all varieties of citrus. Although midrib is usually used as a material for CLas detection, we recently found that [...] Read more.
Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas) is a phloem-restricted α-proteobacterium that is associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB), which is the most destructive disease that affects all varieties of citrus. Although midrib is usually used as a material for CLas detection, we recently found that the bacterium was enriched in fruits, especially in the fruit pith. However, no study has revealed the molecular basis of these two parts in responding to CLas infection. Therefore, we performed transcriptome and UHPLC–MS-based targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses in order to organize the essential genes and metabolites that are involved. Transcriptome and metabolome characterized 4834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 383 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the two materials, wherein 179 DEGs and 44 DAMs were affected by HLB in both of the tissues, involving the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, phytohormone signaling transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and photosynthesis. Notably, we discovered that the gene expression that is related to beta-glucosidase and endoglucanase was up-regulated in fruits. In addition, defense-related gene expression and metabolite accumulation were significantly down-regulated in infected fruits. Taken together, the decreased amount of jasmonic acid, coupled with the reduced accumulation of phenylpropanoid and the increased proliferation of indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid, compared to leaf midribs, may contribute largely to the enrichment of CLas in fruit piths, resulting in disorders of photosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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27 pages, 2538 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis of a Pseudomonas-Resistant versus a Susceptible Arabidopsis Accession
by Isabel Orf, Hezi Tenenboim, Nooshin Omranian, Zoran Nikoloski, Alisdair R. Fernie, Jan Lisec, Yariv Brotman and Mariusz A. Bromke
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012087 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
Accessions of one plant species may show significantly different levels of susceptibility to stresses. The Arabidopsis thaliana accessions Col-0 and C24 differ significantly in their resistance to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). To help unravel the underlying mechanisms contributing to this [...] Read more.
Accessions of one plant species may show significantly different levels of susceptibility to stresses. The Arabidopsis thaliana accessions Col-0 and C24 differ significantly in their resistance to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). To help unravel the underlying mechanisms contributing to this naturally occurring variance in resistance to Pst, we analyzed changes in transcripts and compounds from primary and secondary metabolism of Col-0 and C24 at different time points after infection with Pst. Our results show that the differences in the resistance of Col-0 and C24 mainly involve mechanisms of salicylic-acid-dependent systemic acquired resistance, while responses of jasmonic-acid-dependent mechanisms are shared between the two accessions. In addition, arginine metabolism and differential activity of the biosynthesis pathways of aliphatic glucosinolates and indole glucosinolates may also contribute to the resistance. Thus, this study highlights the difference in the defense response strategies utilized by different genotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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26 pages, 2749 KiB  
Review
An Overview of PRR- and NLR-Mediated Immunities: Conserved Signaling Components across the Plant Kingdom That Communicate Both Pathways
by Candy Yuriria Ramírez-Zavaleta, Laura Jeannette García-Barrera, Lizette Liliana Rodríguez-Verástegui, Daniela Arrieta-Flores and Josefat Gregorio-Jorge
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 12974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112974 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5590
Abstract
Cell-surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) are plant immune proteins that trigger an orchestrated downstream signaling in response to molecules of microbial origin or host plant origin. Historically, PRRs have been associated with pattern-triggered immunity [...] Read more.
Cell-surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) are plant immune proteins that trigger an orchestrated downstream signaling in response to molecules of microbial origin or host plant origin. Historically, PRRs have been associated with pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), whereas NLRs have been involved with effector-triggered immunity (ETI). However, recent studies reveal that such binary distinction is far from being applicable to the real world. Although the perception of plant pathogens and the final mounting response are achieved by different means, central hubs involved in signaling are shared between PTI and ETI, blurring the zig-zag model of plant immunity. In this review, we not only summarize our current understanding of PRR- and NLR-mediated immunities in plants, but also highlight those signaling components that are evolutionarily conserved across the plant kingdom. Altogether, we attempt to offer an overview of how plants mediate and integrate the induction of the defense responses that comprise PTI and ETI, emphasizing the need for more evolutionary molecular plant–microbe interactions (EvoMPMI) studies that will pave the way to a better understanding of the emergence of the core molecular machinery involved in the so-called evolutionary arms race between plants and microbes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Plants-Pathogen Interaction 2023)
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